Obituary of Frances A. Ray

Frances A. Ray Born to Murta and John Van Dellen of The Dalles, Oregon, on December 5, 1911, Frances A. Ray (Van Dellen) of Olympia, Washington, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2012 with family and friends by her side. She was 100 years old. Following graduation from The Dalles High School, Frances went on to attend the University of Oregon, and in 1939, married Waverly H. Ray of Hood River, Oregon. Over the years, Frances and Waverly resided and raised their family in The Dalles, Edmonds, Washington, Seattle, Washington and finally 45 wonderful years in Olympia, Washington. Waverly preceded Frances in death in September of 2001. Frances was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and PEO. She worked at the Van Dellen Lumber Co. in The Dalles and was a March of Dimes Volunteer, as well as a homemaker. Frances was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Family was everything to her. Frances is survived by her children, Jan Hansen (Mike) of Salem, Oregon, Sue Harding (Marty) of Olympia, Washington, and Doug Ray (Barb) of Friday Harbor, San Juan Island. “Nano,” as we affectionately called her, is also survived by five grandchildren, Brian Ray (Marcela) of Sammamish, Washington, Matt Hansen (Heather) of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, Lindsay Aaseby (Brandon) of Spokane, Washington, Amanda Harding (Ryan) of Bellingham, Washington, and Chris Harding of Seattle; and two great grandchildren, Jayden Aaseby and Ethan Ray. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Peter Hospital Foundation in celebration of Frances’s life. The 6th floor staff at St. Peter Hospital were especially attentive and caring in Frances’s last days, for which her family is greatly appreciative. A special thank you is also in order for her wonderful neighbors and exceptional caregivers who provided Frances with friendship, love, and quality of life in both her early as well as later years in Olympia. Her family will be forever grateful. Please leave memories of Frances or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.